Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai has wrapped up its fourth season having coached nearly 5000 youngsters since the joint venture between Emirates and Arsenal kicked off in 2009.
Since day one, the school has been running at near capacity – that’s around 1,200 children per year being taught how to “Play The Arsenal Way.”
“We work with parents to ensure that children are coached, not only in how to play football, but also in life skills, such as team work and personal conduct, both on and off the pitch,” said Head Coach Ian Selley, once an Arsenal player himself.
“Our training sessions are adapted to suit all ability levels and our courses are based on the same principles used at the Arsenal first team training ground; to develop technical skills and a passion for the game to ensure students become the best players they possibly can,” Ian added.
Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai, which is open to boys and girls of all ages and ability, is permanently based at 7he Sevens, Emirates’ dedicated sporting venue.
The school opened in October 2009, exactly five years after Emirates and Arsenal signed what was then the biggest club sponsorship deal in English football history.
A succession of Arsenal players including Gael Clichy, Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie, Mikael Silvestre and Manuel Almunia, have shown their support by visiting the school.
Just last month, current Arsenal and England international stars Kieran Gibbs, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Carl Jenkinson conducted special training sessions at the school. Click here to see the video of their visit.
“With the assistance of our first class coaching staff, we produce imaginative, entertaining and skillful players by playing the Arsenal way in a safe, fun and friendly environment,” said Ian.
“Whilst we would love to take on all those who apply for our sessions, the Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai does run at near full capacity during the three terms of each year. That means we’ve trained around 4,800 youngsters over the four years. We always recommend parents book early to avoid disappointment,” Ian added.
“We are thankful that our boys had the opportunity to train, which has made them good footballers for their age in Dubai and the captain and the best players for their schools for the last two years,” said Indah Brown, mother of George and Jack Brown. “With the soccer school’s extensive training programmes and the boys’ passion for football, they have learned so much and developed many skills, techniques and tactics in football, such as confidence, never giving up, a positive attitude, discipline, fair play and good team work.”
